role player

Noun

 * 1)  A player who is not one of the best players on the team, but still makes a meaningful contribution.
 * The Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat because their team had solid role players like J.J. Barea and Shawn Marion.
 * The Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat because their team had solid role players like J.J. Barea and Shawn Marion.